Strong odor of gear oil was found coating some of the exhaust system and much of the underside of the truck floor and other components in the area of the differential. Pontential of fire or an accident resulting from seizure of the differential (from lack of oil ) is feared.

- Belmont, CA, USA

Rear end (?) whines at various speeds, transmission slips. Dealer rebuilt differential, problem persists, dealer now has vehicle installing a new transmission trying to fix problem. Brake pedal pulses (not ABS)and steerings wheel shudders (left/right) when brakes are applied at all speeds. (not reported to dealer, have since found out that this is a common problem with this vehicle). Oil filter- to remove filter it must be wedged past the solenoid/starter. It come in contact with the exposed wires/lugs? on the starter. There is nothing protecting this exposed area. My dealer has been extremely courteous and understanding in dealing with the transmission/differential problem. I have not received any information from Ford regarding these problems.through research on the internet I have come to believe that the problems described here are not limited to my experiences. Thank you.

- Yonkers, NY, USA

Driving on I90 West with no problems nor warning the rear end suddenly locked up completely, severing the driveshaft and rotating the differential so that it embeded itself in the spare tire (mounted under the vehicle). Result was an immediate loss of control, vehicle swerved to the left and ran off the freeway into the median. Rear wheels were completely locked up and un-movable. Investigated by wsp (report # 0570977). Clearly an extremely unsafe vehicle defect. Ford dealership (evergreen in issaquah, wa) mechanics all concurred they had never seen anything like it.

- North Bend, WA, USA

Rear differential locked up at 50mph, causing vehicle to skid and throw it off road down into an embankment. One occupant was injured. Vehicle was totalled. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.

- Lemesa, CA, USA